Manchester City on the verge of forming transfer link with Arsenal through recruitment hierarchy

Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal may be on the verge of forming somewhat of a link at the very top of the recruitment chain.

That suggestion comes as both clubs appear set to go head-to-head once again this season for another Premier League title, having competed for the last two editions of the English top-flight crown.

Manchester City and Arsenal have already gone head-to-head once this season, competing in a fierce 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium featuring a red card for Leandro Trossard, a 98th minute equaliser from John Stones, and full-time clashes between both sets of players.

And while it was clear from the behaviour of some Arsenal board members that they were aggrieved by the outcome of the contest, it appears as though relations in boardroom positions could be set to improve to some extent.

That comes through the changeover in Manchester City’s recruitment department, with Sporting CP’s Hugo Viana coming in to replace Txiki Begiristain as the Premier League champions’ Director of Football from the summer of 2025.

According to the information of MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Manchester City’s incoming Director of Football, Hugo Viana is ‘friendly’ with his counterpart at Arsenal, Edu, and lunched with him while in London negotiating Pedro Porro’s transfer to Tottenham.

It remains to be seen whether such a relationship will be affected by Manchester City and Arsenal competing for the same major honours in football, and whether Viana and Edu are able to separate their business from personal life.

One other personal relationship that is likely to intrigue those of a Manchester City persuasion is his bond with Sporting CP manager, Ruben Amorim – who may feel it is time to seek a new challenge elsewhere in the game.

However, the entire scenario rests in the hands of Pep Guardiola, whom Manchester City would no doubt like to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium, but are insistent on leaving the decision in his hands as his contract expires at the end of the ongoing season.